A READING man has been spared jail after admitting to wasting police time. 

Stephen Ashcroft, of Duke Street, Reading, pleaded guilty to ‘causing wasteful employment of police’ on April 29, 2021. 

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According to court documents, the 51-year-old made a false report which ‘gave rise to apprehension for the safety of persons or property’ on March 31. 

Appearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court for his sentencing, AShcroft was handed a 15-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months. 

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He was also told to pay a £128 victim surcharge and £85 in costs. 

The Reading man appeared for his hearing on June 25, 2021. 

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